Hawks vs Bucks preview: Atlanta looks to right ship in Milwaukee

If you were asked to describe the Atlanta Hawks' 2016 season with one word, the best answer would be "inconsistent." It was best illustrated earlier this week when Atlanta took control early and snapped the Chicago Bulls' six-game winning streak with a strong performance at Philips Arena. After three off days, they followed that performance up with a blowout loss to a struggling Charlotte Hornets team in a game where at times they simply weren't competitive.

Thus, the 2016 season has been a roller coaster for the Hawks full of highs and a lot of lows. They will try to right the ship Friday night when they square off against the Milwaukee Bucks for the first time this season.

The Bucks crashed through making the playoffs last season and were a trendy pick to continue their rise this season but have found it tough living up to expectations. Milwaukee last season was one of the best defensive clubs in the league but have fallen off drastically this season and are currently 29th in defensive rating. Most of their struggles have come on the road where they are just 5-18 so far this season. They have gone 11-7 at home where their drop off defensively hasn't been as severe.

Still they possess an intriguing group of long and athletic young players with a mix of youth and veteran experience. If this week has taught the Hawks anything it is that they can't look at anyone's current record and assume a victory.

Thabo Sefolosha missed his second straight game for Atlanta on Wednesday with a sore right wrist. Sefolosha was listed as probable but the Hawks elected to play it safe.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, January 15, 8 p.m. ET

Location: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

TV: Fox Sports Southeast

Radio: 92.9 "The Game" FM